1. Raison.
2. Excuse.
ETYM Cf. French excuse. Related to Excuse.
A defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.; SYN. alibi, self-justification.
ETYM French prétexte, Latin praetextum, from praetextus, p. p. of praetexere to weave before, allege as an excuse; prae before + texere to weave. Related to Text.
Something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason; SYN. stalking-horse.
(Antiquité) Toge.